About

Frequently Asked Questions


 
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+Most storm shelter companies offer comparable products. What sets EF5 Tornado Shelters apart from the others?

EF5 Tornado Shelters believes that there are many other factors to consider when investing in your family's protection from severe weather. We believe in exceptional customer service with every interaction. We spend time and money on delivering the highest quality product. Our tornado shelters are proudly built here in Oklahoma. Moreover, you always have access to the owners as they're involved with every customer. As a family-owned and operated business, we enjoy staying involved in the community and giving back. We offer quick installation dates and ensure every customer experience is easy and stress-free.


+What are the details of the EF5 warranty?

Our steel shelters have a 10 year warranty with leaking, floating or any other manufacturing defect problem. Our concrete shelters have a 10 year warranty in the event of leaking.


+Can I park my car or truck over the shelter?

Yes. The in-ground storm shelter handles two tons of weight so that you can feel confident driving over the shelter. We recommend parking your vehicle where the wheels straddle the door to still get in the storm shelter with a car parked on top.


+Can you construct a different size shelter than listed?

EF5 Tornado Shelters can custom make any size shelter needed. We're able to customize above-ground storm shelters, so we have you covered.


+How does air get into the shelter?

Our tornado shelters exceed FEMA requirements for ventilation to get plenty of fresh air in the shelter. We encourage homeowners to place a battery-powered light and fan system with our in-ground garage shelters to help keep fresh air circulating.


+What happens if debris falls on the shelter, and we cannot get out?

Some shelter companies include a device to help open the door if debris is on the shelter. The problem is that most of the time, you would only move the door, and debris would fall inside the shelter, which could cause serious injury to the people inside. If there is a substantial amount of waste, and you cannot open the door, emergency personnel have your registered shelter's location and will be on their way to help get you out.


+How long does it take to install my tornado shelter?

A standard installation usually takes between four to eight hours, depending on your soil's composition and the tornado shelter's size.


+Do you give free in-home consultations?

We will gladly set an appointment for any potential customers within 20 miles of the OKC Metropolitan. A tornado shelter specialist will visit on-site to advise you of the best location for your storm shelter.


+What happens if there is rock underneath my foundation?

If we run into rock underneath your slab, we will have to use a jackhammer to break up the rock. The first hour is included in your original contract price, but every hour afterward is $100 per hour.


+Can there be water, sewer, sprinkler lines or any other utility type underneath our garage slab?

Per building codes, there aren't supposed to be. However, we have seen a few, and if we run into any lines underneath the slab, it is the homeowner's responsibility to have the lines relocated.


+Do I need a permit?

Many cities and counties require you to have a building permit before installing your tornado shelter. The homeowner's responsibility is to pull the permit unless EF5 Tornado Shelters has disclosed otherwise on your contract.


+How long do I have to wait before I can drive over my tornado shelter?

Concrete takes thirty days to cure completely, but you can drive over the shelter in as little as five to eight days.

 
 

Contact EF5 Tornado Shelters Today

Have any questions or concerns? Call us or visit our fantastic tornado shelter showroom today.

 
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